'Ambitious' Clingan backs City

Believing that his side can compete with anyone in the Championship and defy those who have tipped them for the drop, Coventry City captain Sammy Clingan has issued a rallying cry ahead of the new Championship season.

Shrugging off talk of interest from elsewhere in the division in his services the midfielder has told the Telegraph he is 'very proud' to have been handed the captain's armband for the 2011/12 campaign.

Clingan has emerged as Andy Thorn's eyes and ears on the pitch, directing operations from his position at the base of the midfield diamond and keeping in constant contact with the manager on the sidelines. Amidst the calm of the pre-season fixtures he could clearly be heard reminding many of those around him to keep the ball on the floor as much as possible and not resort to the aimless punt forward.

His set-piece delivery will also be crucial to a side that is expected to struggle for goals after the departure of Marlon King and the lack of new signings.

Meanwhile, James McPake and David Bell have put pen to paper on new contracts with the Sky Blues.

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